Students, faculty, staff, and community members filled a conference room in CSUDH’s Innovation & Instruction Building on Wednesday, Sept. 30, for a town hall meeting with Congresswoman Nannette Barragán. Barragán represents California’s 44th District, which includes CSUDH and the city of Carson.
Billed as a “Youth Community Conversation,” the town hall actually attracted a wide range of people of all ages who were eager to speak with and hear from their representative. Almost 100 people attended the lunchtime event.
After a brief introduction from CSUDH Interim President Mary Ann Villarreal, Barragán told the audience, “I’ve been wanting to do a college town hall for some time now…I want to know, what are the issues that you care about? What are the concerns you have? What do you want to see government do?”
“What I’m really here to do is to hear from you,” she continued. “I would love to hear your questions, your comments, your feedback. If you disagree with me, that’s OK too.”
The bulk of the town hall was devoted to Barragán fielding questions from the audience. The topics ranged from DNA testing in ICE facilities to the proper use of public lands, but many of the questions circled around a topic that’s at the top of the list for today’s college students: the rising cost of education (and everything else), and how to keep college affordable.
In response, she touted her support of the College for All Act, a bill that would eliminate tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities for those making up to $125,000. If passed, the act would also make community colleges tuition- and fee-free for every student.
She noted that in many European countries, it’s free to attend medical school. “Some people say we can’t afford the money for free [tuition],” said Barragán. “I say, ‘We can afford $2 billion a day for a war in Iran. How do we find the money to do these things, instead of finding a way to invest in education?’”
Asked how an average citizen can help make their community thrive, Barragán stressed the importance of engagement. “Get involved with a community organization that you care about,” she suggested. “You could volunteer with Meals on Wheels. You could sign up to be an observer on Election Day at the polls.
“You can get involved in a political campaign, or volunteer at a non-profit; if you care about housing and homelessness, you can find a non-profit that works in that space. Or you can make sure your neighbors have a way to get to vote. There are simple things we can [all] do.”
Barragán stressed the importance of participation, including making sure everyone votes. “There’s an election coming up,” she noted. “I’m not here to tell you who to vote for, I can’t do that [because] this is an official event. I am here to encourage you to vote, because there is a lot on the line.”
“Don’t let this administration divide us,” she added. “I believe there is an effort to divide our communities, [to make it] us versus them, because if we are divided, we are so much weaker.”
Overall, she said, “It’s really important that you participate and let your voice be heard. If there’s an issue on the table and I only hear from one side, then it’s hard to [make a balanced decision]. Come to town halls, call your representatives, or organize to help educate folks on issues that are important to you.”
